Best Water Grants in Vermont

Vermont agricultural landowners seeking to improve water quality and reduce sediment runoff can apply for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which offers cost-share assistance and rental payments to establish vegetated buffers. Administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, this program supports removal of land from production to create filter strips, forested buffers, or grassed waterways.

Agricultural producers in Vermont seeking support for water management, irrigation improvements, or conservation practices can apply for funding that covers up to 75% of project costs, with awards up to US $50,000. With a mission to support sustainable agriculture, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont helps farmers mitigate risk through resource conservation and improved water use.

Nonprofit and public entities working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in Vermont can receive up to US $750,000 to restore aquatic organism passage and stream connectivity. Lake Champlain Basin Program funding supports culvert replacement, dam removal, design, permitting, construction, outreach, monitoring, and maintenance within the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin.

Lake Champlain Basin Program

Mission

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources, in partnership with government agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, private organizations, local communities, and individuals.

Artist-in-Residence Programs

New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (“NEIWPCC”), is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Artist-in-Residence (AiR) programs in the Lake Champlain Basin. The aim of this process is to invite a wide range of innovative and effective projects and further the goals of Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin. The intent of this funding opportunity is to support development of sustainable Artist-in-Residence programs that will recruit artists to obtain and use scientific data, cultural trends, or historical facts to increase interpretation of natural resources within the Lake Champlain basin.

State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in rural Vermont facing drinking water emergencies can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, with awards up to US $1,000,000 for water source or transmission projects. Funding can construct or repair waterlines, develop new sources, or build treatment facilities.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Vermont can seek funding for water and waste infrastructure, including drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater systems. USDA Rural Development also supports related costs like legal and engineering fees, land and water rights, permits, equipment, and start-up operations for financially sustainable, public-purpose projects.

Public entities and community organizations in Vermont can seek funding for economic and community development projects that modernize and expand public water and wastewater services. Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program also supports related infrastructure, transportation, workforce development, outdoor recreation, and new childcare and healthcare facilities across eligible rural areas.

Vermont and New York nonprofits and public entities working on freshwater habitat restoration can apply for Lake Champlain Basin Program’s small grants, awarding up to US $50,000 for on-the-ground projects. Eligible work includes improving wetland, riparian, or aquatic habitat, supporting native fish and aquatic life, enhancing flood resilience, and conducting native species surveys within the Lake Champlain Basin.

Organizations in Vermont planning native riparian woody buffer plantings can access funding through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Riparian Buffer Block Grant. Grants from Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation help Vermont freshwater and water resource management groups implement high-priority, cost-effective forested buffers along rivers and streams with minimum width and planting density requirements.

Nonprofits, agencies, and research partners working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in Vermont can receive US $25,000 - US $400,000 for Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems Research Projects. Lake Champlain Basin Program funds studies that advance its Opportunities for Action plan, including research with planning, implementation, pilot, or efficacy components in the Lake Champlain Basin.

The Land Conservation for Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems grant aims to acquire land or conservation easements in the Lake Champlain Basin. With a funding pool of up to $4 million, eligible projects must prioritize clean water and healthy ecosystems while considering public access as a co-benefit. Supported by the U.S. EPA, this initiative encourages competitive proposals that enhance water quality and habitat for native species.

Organizations planning clean water projects in Vermont’s Memphremagog Basin (Basin 17) can apply for Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s formula grants, with awards up to US $250,000 for phosphorus runoff reduction and water quality improvements. Eligible freshwater conservation and water resource management efforts in Basin 17 may be supported.

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

Nonprofits or agencies acquiring land or conservation easements for freshwater and habitat protection in Vermont can seek US $100,000 - US $4,000,000 to support projects in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. With a mission to protect water quality and ecosystems, Lake Champlain Basin Program funds efforts that enhance habitat, flood resiliency, and related conservation goals.

Vermont organizations planning large educational projects about Lake Champlain’s water quality and watershed stewardship can access funding through Lake Champlain Basin Program. Grants of US $15,000 - US $50,000 support education and outreach that advance freshwater conservation and water resource management throughout the Lake Champlain Basin in Vermont, New York, and Québec.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in Vermont and the broader Lake Champlain Basin can seek up to US $20,000 in organizational support. With a mission to protect Lake Champlain’s water quality and related resources, Lake Champlain Basin Program provides funding to strengthen local capacity for long-term stewardship.

Agricultural and forest producers in Vermont can receive financial and technical assistance to improve water resources, soil health, and overall environmental stewardship through the Conservation Stewardship Program. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont offers five-year contracts that support existing conservation practices and fund additional activities on working lands, including operations managing water resource concerns.

Focused on water and soil conservation, Vermont agricultural producers, ranchers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities can use EQIP funding to improve water quality, conserve water, and reduce erosion. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont offers technical and financial assistance for conservation plans, organic transition, high tunnels, and other on-farm resource improvements.

With a mission to strengthen Vermont children, families, and the environment, Canaday Family Charitable Trust provides Vermont nonprofits with project and capital funding for children’s services, environmental conservation, and economic opportunity. 501(c)(3) organizations working on freshwater conservation, watershed projects, or related environmental education in Vermont may be eligible for awards of US $20,000 - US $270,000.

Nonprofits, towns, and community groups in Vermont can receive up to US $10,000 for watershed projects that protect, restore, or enhance lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Grants from Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation help freshwater conservation and water resource management efforts, including monitoring, education, habitat restoration, recreation access, and historic or cultural resource protection.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and public agencies in Vermont can seek funding for fee or easement land acquisition that protects resilient, connected habitats and community water resources. Focused on land protection, The Nature Conservancy supports projects within its Appalachians Program boundary that deliver strong community benefits and climate resilience, with grants up to US $100,000.

The Vermont Arts Council's Animating Infrastructure Grant supports communities in integrating public art into infrastructure projects. This initiative encourages collaboration between artists and local communities to enhance pride and identity through site-specific art installations. The program aims to improve livability in Vermont by utilizing various infrastructure elements, fostering connections, and creating vibrant spaces. Grants are available for both public art design and implementation, providing funding up to $15,000 for selected projects.

Vermont municipalities, nonprofits, public institutions, and other eligible entities can receive up to US $35,000 to build organizational capacity for clean water and watershed projects. Watersheds United Vermont supports activities like community engagement, administrative and financial systems, and workforce development that enable partners to do more, more complex, or more effective water quality work.

Community-based watershed organizations in Vermont can apply for Watersheds United Vermont’s Enhancement Project Development Grant, offering up to US $40,000 to plan and develop priority water quality enhancement projects. Funding supports new projects or work between design and implementation, benefiting groups focused on freshwater conservation and water resource management.

Private individuals and families conserving working forestlands in Vermont can seek funding to permanently protect their privately owned forests. Focused on forestry and environmental stewardship, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board invites projects that sustain forest-based economies, protect clean water, enhance flood resilience, support wildlife habitat, and maintain the state’s rural landscape and recreational values.

Vermont farmers and custom manure applicators seeking equipment to improve water quality can access funding through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, with awards up to US $50,000. Eligible projects include new or innovative tools that reduce agricultural runoff, manage manure more effectively, cut odors and emissions, and lower manure application costs.

Vermont nonprofits, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored community groups addressing basic human needs and water-related services can access funding through the Vermont Community Foundation for unexpected, time-sensitive emergencies or opportunities. Grants of up to US $5,000 support urgent repairs, essential equipment replacement, unanticipated service needs, staff well-being, and similar short-term challenges affecting mission delivery in Vermont.